igneous
Peridotite (Olivine/Peridot)
Peridotite (comprising (Mg,Fe)2SiO4)
Hardness: 6.5-7 Mohs; Color: Olive-green, yellow-green; Luster: Vitrous to oily; Crystal structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Poor; Specific Gravity: 3.2-3.4
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Olive-green, yellow-green
- Luster
- Vitrous to oily
Identified More igneous →
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 Mohs; Color: Olive-green, yellow-green; Luster: Vitrous to oily; Crystal structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Poor; Specific Gravity: 3.2-3.4
Formation & geological history
Ultramafic igneous rock formed in the Earth's upper mantle and brought to the surface via volcanic activity (kimberlite or basalt pipes).
Uses & applications
Primary source of the gemstone Peridot; used in industrial refractory processes and as an indicator for diamond deposits.
Geological facts
Peridotite is the dominant rock of the upper part of Earth's mantle. Peridot (the gem form of olivine) is one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color.
Field identification & locations
Identifiable by its distinct 'olive' green granules and heavy weight. Commonly found in tectonic ophiolites or as xenoliths in volcanic basalt.
